CVE-2002-0981 in OpenUnix
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ndcfg command for UnixWare 7.1.1 and Open UNIX 8.0.0 allows local users to execute arbitrary code via a long command line.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-0981 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ndcfg command utility of UnixWare 7.1.1 and Open UNIX 8.0.0 operating systems. This security weakness resides in the command line argument processing mechanism where the ndcfg utility fails to properly validate input length before copying command line parameters into fixed-size memory buffers. The flaw specifically affects local users who can exploit this vulnerability by providing an excessively long command line argument to the ndcfg command, thereby triggering a buffer overflow condition that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the targeted process.
This type of buffer overflow vulnerability falls under the CWE-121 category of stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the boundaries of a fixed-length buffer allocated on the stack. The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it transforms a simple local privilege escalation vector into a potential code execution mechanism. Attackers can craft malicious command line arguments that overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and redirecting program execution flow to malicious code injected into the buffer. The vulnerability's local nature means that any user with access to the system can exploit it, though successful exploitation typically requires careful crafting of the input data to achieve the desired memory layout manipulation.
The attack surface for CVE-2002-0981 is primarily limited to systems running the affected UnixWare and Open UNIX versions where the ndcfg command is accessible. This utility is commonly used for network configuration management, making it a potentially attractive target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1059 which covers 'Command and Scripting Interpreter' as attackers can leverage the command line interface to deliver malicious payloads. The exploitation process typically involves generating a command line argument that exceeds the buffer capacity, causing memory corruption that can be manipulated to redirect execution flow.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems through vendor-provided security updates. System administrators should also implement least privilege principles by restricting access to the ndcfg command and related network configuration utilities. Additional protective measures include enabling address space layout randomization ASLR and stack canaries to make exploitation more difficult. Input validation should be enforced at all levels of the application stack, with proper bounds checking implemented in the command line argument parsing code. Monitoring for unusual command line argument patterns and implementing application whitelisting for critical system utilities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in legacy system components that may be vulnerable to similar attack vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in system utilities, particularly those with elevated privileges or system-level access.